The PlayStation 2 is the best-selling game console ever, with over 160 million sold. Because so many people owned a PS2, developers rushed to release games, hoping to reach a large audience. This resulted in a huge variety of quality – for every fantastic game, there was a bad one. However, some PS2 games are particularly memorable not just because they’re good, but because they’re incredibly challenging to finish. They’re still enjoyable, but be prepared to work hard to see the credits roll!
Here are six of the hardest games on the PlayStation 2.
6) Manhunt
Manhunt is challenging on multiple levels. Beyond the gameplay itself, Rockstar’s game is difficult due to its intense and violent content. The increasingly graphic ways you eliminate enemies can be deeply disturbing, leaving a lasting impression long after you’ve completed a mission.
The game made this list due to its incredibly difficult stealth mechanics. If you’re not careful, Manhunt is a punishing experience. A single error can quickly lead to failure, as it’s almost impossible to fight off enemies once they’ve detected you. You need to be extremely accurate and strategic, or you’ll likely have to start over.
5) Jak 2
Jak 2 is a bit of an oddity. Generally, it’s a solid action-adventure game that platformer fans should be able to enjoy, learning as they go. However, it occasionally throws in extremely difficult sections that feel out of place compared to the rest of the game, and are among the hardest challenges on the PlayStation 2.
The game can be surprisingly difficult, and you might even think something is broken when you fail. To make things worse, the save points in Jak 2 aren’t very helpful – you’ll often have to repeat challenging parts again and again, which is incredibly frustrating.
4) God Hand
Developed by Clover Studio and directed by Shinji Mikami – the creator of Resident Evil – God Hand was Mikami’s attempt to create something truly unique. He envisioned a challenging, over-the-top beat ‘em up filled with humor. The result is a strange and original game unlike anything seen before or since.
The game’s challenge is likely the cause of this. God Hand demands players learn complex button combinations, similar to fighting games, and also memorize the unique attack patterns of every enemy. Each opponent fights differently, keeping you constantly alert. The game’s controls are also deliberately slow and require a specific playstyle. It’s hard to pick up, but incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it.
3) Devil May Cry 3
Devil May Cry is known for being a challenging action game that rewards skillful play. However, the original US release of Devil May Cry 3 stands out as particularly difficult. Capcom intentionally increased the challenge for North American players, resulting in a stylish and demanding experience that pushes you to improve.
Whether or not you played the original North American version, Devil May Cry 3 is a challenging game. However, that difficulty serves a purpose. Capcom created a stunning, fast-paced action game, and the demanding gameplay is what truly makes it exceptional. It forces you to master the game’s systems, and unlike some difficult games that feel artificially hard, Devil May Cry 3 uses challenge to create a truly special experience.
2) Maximo: Ghosts to Glory
The Ghosts ‘n Goblins games are famous for being incredibly hard, and Maximo continues that tradition. While this game takes place in a 3D world, don’t expect it to be any easier!
Actually, Maximo can be even harder than older Ghosts ‘n Goblins games. This is because the game’s 3D perspective allows for more complex platforming challenges. While the action isn’t as fast-paced as the originals, expect to fall to your death repeatedly – it’s a really frustrating experience!
1) Shinobi
Let me be clear: Shinobi is a fantastic game. The fast-paced, over-the-top action is among the best available, and the boss battles are truly memorable. It’s a very imaginative game that deserves more recognition from action game fans, but it can also be incredibly challenging.
There are several things that make this game difficult. Your sword gets stronger by absorbing the energy of defeated enemies, but it will start to harm you if you don’t defeat them quickly. The jumping and climbing sections are very precise and require careful timing. Plus, even weak enemies can defend against your attacks, so every battle is a tough one, especially at the beginning.
The game Shinobi is notoriously difficult, and that’s just the beginning. However, it’s a challenge that’s truly worth tackling. Learning to control the action in Shinobi is incredibly satisfying, and while it will be frustrating at first, overcoming its obstacles provides a uniquely rewarding gaming experience.
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2026-01-16 02:10